Hong Kong spirits lovers, brace yourselves—David “Big Papi” Ortiz has officially stepped up to the plate again, but this time, he’s swinging with rum.
Introducing Ozama Rum, an ultra-premium, 100% Dominican collection of handcrafted spirits already causing a stir from Boston to Santo Domingo—and now making waves in international markets like Hong Kong.
Far from a typical celebrity liquor drop, Ozama is Ortiz’s love letter to his heritage, inspired by the Ozama River of his childhood and crafted with island authenticity from sugarcane to barrel.
Whether you’re a rooftop rum aficionado in Central, a bourbon devotee in Wan Chai, or just looking to level up your home bar, Ozama Rum is bold, soulful, and surprisingly refined—ready to rewrite what you thought you knew about Dominican spirits.
Ozama Rum: A Spirit Born in the Dominican Republic, Not Just Inspired By It
Named after the Ozama River, the lifeblood of Santo Domingo, Ozama Rum is a certified Ron Dominicano—meaning every step of the production takes place on Dominican soil. No shortcuts. No outsourcing. Just authenticity in every sip.
“TO ME, OZAMA ISN’T JUST ABOUT RUM, IT’S ABOUT IDENTITY, PRIDE, AND PROGRESS,”
DAVID “BIG PAPI” ORTIZ
This isn’t rum designed in a boardroom. It’s rum rooted in legacy, community, and culture—and it shows.
The Launch Lineup:
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Ozama Blanco – A bright, citrusy white rum perfect for daiquiris, mojitos, or sipping neat with a lime twist.
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Ozama Añejo – A spiced, barrel-aged expression with rich notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and toasted toffee.
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Ozama Gran Añejo – Slow-aged and sipping smooth, this is the crown jewel—full-bodied with candied fruit, honey, and charred oak undertones.
Not Just a Celebrity Endorsement—A Personal Passion Project
Unlike many celebrity spirit brands, David Ortiz built Ozama from the ground up. He hand-selected the blends, oversaw the packaging, and infused every detail with Dominican soul.
“I WANTED TO BUILD SOMETHING THAT CELEBRATES THE ENERGY AND SOUL OF MY PEOPLE AND SHOWS THE WORLD WHAT WE’RE MADE OF.”
With help from Abbott Wolfe, CEO of Drink2Success, Ortiz created a product that’s premium in taste, approachable in story, and purposeful in mission.
“FROM DAY ONE, DAVID HAD A CLEAR VISION TO CREATE AN ULTRA-PREMIUM RUM THAT FEELS AUTHENTIC, VIBRANT, AND UNDENIABLY DOMINICAN.”
For Hong Kong’s discerning spirit drinkers, that authenticity matters—especially as local bars and lounges lean into rare and responsibly made liquors.
A Spirit with Purpose: Giving Back to the Ozama River
More than a bottle, Ozama Rum is a movement. Ortiz donates 2% of all profits to environmental and community initiatives in Santo Domingo, specifically to clean up the Ozama River and improve surrounding neighborhoods.
In a city like Hong Kong—where conscious consumption and ESG values are growing in luxury sectors—Ozama offers drinkers a chance to enjoy while giving back.
Expect eco-conscious retailers and cocktail programs in Tsim Sha Tsui and Kennedy Town to take notice.
Why Hong Kong’s Spirits Scene Should Be Watching
Hong Kong’s love for bourbon and premium dark spirits has defined many high-end menus. But rum is rising—and the arrival of Ozama could signal a shift.
With the global rum market projected to hit over $16 billion by 2030, and more cocktail bars experimenting with high-end Caribbean and Latin rums, Ozama brings island refinement to the Asia-Pacific glass.
Whether you’re a bartender crafting a Caribbean Old Fashioned or a collector seeking next-generation sipping rums, Ozama hits that perfect blend of heritage and modernity.
How to Get It in Hong Kong
While Ozama Rum is currently rolling out in the U.S. and Caribbean, international shipping via DrinkOzama.com is now open—including to Hong Kong. Expect local distributors and upscale retailers to follow suit as demand grows.
Early adopters in Hong Kong’s bar scene—from Central speakeasies to Soho wine bars—could become key ambassadors in Asia for what might just be the most meaningful celebrity spirit of 2024.
Final Toast: From the Diamond to the Decanter
“THEY SAY THAT PERFECTION DOESN’T EXIST, BUT YOU CAN GET CLOSE TO IT.”
BIG PAPI, ON OZAMA RUM
That’s the spirit behind Ozama—a celebration of craftsmanship, identity, and unapologetic Dominican pride. And with Ortiz’s commitment to quality and community, it’s more than just a drink—it’s a movement.
So whether you’re sipping in a Lan Kwai Fong lounge or gifting a bottle to a fellow connoisseur, this summer, ditch the usual—and raise your glass to Big Papi’s next great legacy.
